God always has a plan!

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God always has a plan! This is easy to say and far too easy to quote when someone is in the depths of uncertainty. When God seems quiet, perhaps even far away, it is important to remember that God always has a plan.

Finding God’s plan
When you find yourself in the position of not knowing what direction God is leading, consider this, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV) God reveals His plan step-by-step and day-by-day. If you can’t see where God is leading, perhaps it’s because you have cast your focus beyond today and your next step.

Assurance of God’s plan
If you need more assurance of God’s plan for your life, consider Paul’s words to the Romans, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV) Every Christ-follower has been called for a purpose. God does nothing in a random fashion. You have been called by God according to God’s love and according to God’s loving purpose. This means there is a plan. God always has a plan.

God’s grand plan
While God may not reveal every detail of His plan to you, He will reveal all that is required for you to follow. As a Christ-follower, you have been called to follow one day at a time with one step of faith at a time. While circumstances may appear as if life has no direction or that God has somehow gone on vacation, your dutiful faith-filled stepping moves you along the pathway of God’s plan. Many of us would like to be on the freeway of God’s plan. We must resist the urge to get on the freeway and simply walk the footpath of God’s plan in faith and with the knowledge that God has a plan. Remember, circumstances don’t dictate what God is doing – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NIV)


Thanks Brian Farrar from Medford Christian Living Examiner.

Dr. Mathias’ Endometriosis Diet + No Gluten + No Dairy

For those of you who dont know me let me give you a brief explanation. I am 29 years old and a newly wed wanting to start a family soon. I have Stage IV Endometriosis which required a laparotomy this past September 2010, for CO2 excision of deep endo implants that were all over every pelvic organ. I also had to have two sections of my bowels removed because the endo had penetrated though the bowel walls. Needless to say the past 4 months have been extremely difficult for me. I have a group of 3 endo specialist I work with: Dr. Rakesh Mangal who is an OBGYN RE, Dr. John Mathias who is a Neuro-Gastroenterologist and Dr. Bart Pickron a Colonrectal Surgeon. They are all located at The Women's Hospital of Texas in Houston. They all encourage and support me to do things naturally through diet, acupuncture, progesterone cream therapy and yoga. The below is my diet that was given to me by them.

Here is their scientific article on their theory and research about how endometriosis is a disease of insulin sensitivity.

I know so many doctors out there are so oblivious to what really goes on with women, especially women with endometriosis. I went through over 10 doctors since the age of 13 before I found Dr. Mangal! So I thought I would share with you their opinions. The diet has really been helping me out. I started it about 3 months before my surgery and have continued it since. I will be on this diet for the rest of my life. I don't even really like looking at it as "diet" it definitely more a LIFESTYLE CHANGE. But I am honestly feeling better. This diet is almost the same diet doctors like Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr Arthur Agatston and Dr. Christiane Northrup are touting for heart health, overall women's health, overall human health, weight loss, beautiful skin and longevity of life!

Also here Is the Endo support group Facebook Page I started.
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Let me touch specificslly on Dr. John Mathias, of Houston, TX. He is one of my doctors that has been treating me for my endometriosis. He is a neuro-gastroenterologist that specializes in bowel endometriosis. He believes women with endometriosis suffer from the biochemical abnormality of hyper secretion of insulin, resulting in the production of excessive pathway 2 prostaglandins that cause seizure activity of the enteric system.

He suggests that bowel symptoms may decrease when foods that encourage the production of bad prostaglandins (the chemicals in our bodies responsible for cramps, spasms, and excitatory transmissions) are reduced or eliminated. These foods include: red meat, alcohol, chocolate, and soy. Basically, the control of insulin and blood sugar is extremely important to control inflammation in the entire body.

“Omitting foods that are neural stimulants (caffeine and tramline), reducing glycolic carbs (the stimulus for insulin release), supplementing with Omega 3 (precursor of pathways 3 prostaglandins) and Omega 9 (the governor of insulin release) fatty acids, and providing neural stability with Gaga-Agonist (ex: Klonopin and Periactin in minute amounts) results in control of the disabling symptoms of this common disease involving the hallow viscera (intestines and fallopian tubes).”

“There also has to be some mechanism with wheat in regards to endometriosis. Wheat has been genetically modified and there are two hormones out of two, the genome. There is also problems with gluten sensitivity, and more people are becoming gluten sensitive and I find that when I’ve taken wheat out of the diet, in 80% of the women with endometriosis, their pain subsides.”

I also have Celiac Disease so I can’t have gluten at all. Dr. Mathias does allow whole grain bread in moderation but I had to cut that entirely out. I also have IBS-C and I am Lactose Intolerant so I can’t have any dairy, although Dr. Mathias does allow Skim Milk and soft cheeses in moderation. I think my “tweaked” diet is a lot better because most endometriosis specialists suggest no gluten and no dairy anyways. The below is Dr. Mathias’s low glycemic (less than 50), non neural-stimulating diet modified to fit my other diseases. A positive thing about his diet is he allows clear liquors like vodka and white wines (in extremely moderate amounts) but I hate both of those. I am more a tequila girl and even then I probably drink maybe once every few months.


The following diet is most successful when accompanied with laser excision laparoscopy of all the endometriosis.

This diet is almost the same diet doctors like Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr Arthur Agatston and Dr. Christiane Northrup are touting for heart health, overall women's health, overall human health, weight loss, beautiful skin and longevity of life!

FOODS OK TO EAT (when possible try to get Organic)

PROTEIN:
-Chicken, Fish (Cod, Salmon, Tuna, ect), Turkey, Shellfish,
-Eggs

-Almonds
-Cashews
-Walnuts
-Pecans
-Almond Butter

CARBS:
-Quinoa
-Quinoa Pasta

-Smuckers Low Sugar Jelly

-Old Fashion Oatmeal (NOT instant, the one that takes 5 minutes)

All Fresh Veggies -except the ones on NO list but esp:
-Artichokes
-Asparagus
-Avocado
-Bell Peppers
-Broccoli
-Brussel Sprouts
-Cabbage
-Cauliflower
-Cucumber
-Garlic
-Green Beans
-Green Leafy Veggies
-Lemons and Limes
-Mushrooms
-Olives
-Onions
-Squashes
-Tomatoes

Fresh Fruit: Lowest on Glycemic Index (lower than 50)
-Berries
-Cherries
-Kiwi
-Apples
-Peaches
-Pears
-Pineapples
-Plums

DRINKS:
-WATER- filtered
-Propel
-Lifewater with erythrotol
-DECAFFIANTED Teas (no soy)
-Almond Milk

OTHERS:
-All Herbs
-All Spices

-Homemade Soups- but don’t use bullions

-Oils: Olive or Peanut Oil

-Condiments: Hot sauce, Mayo, Mustard

-Salad Dressing: Olive Oil & Vinegar

-Sweeteners: Truvia, Stevia, Agave Nectar

Supplements:
-Pharmaceutical Grade Multi Vitamin- 2x a day
-Pharmaceutical Grade Omega 3- 3x a day
-Liquid Minerals- 2 Tablespoons in the morning
-Omega 9-Olive Oil- 1 Tablespoon with every meal
-Probiotic

Medications:
-Klonopin
-Periactin

____________________________________


FOOD FOR MODERATION (MAYBE 3x a week, no more)

CARBS:
-GLUTEN-FREE Whole Grain Bread
- NO rice/corn/yeast/modified starches in breads or pastas

Veggies:
-Sweet Potatoes
-Lentils
-Peas

Fruits:
-Grapes
-Oranges
-Watermelon

DRINKS:
-Top Shelf Quality (100% Agave) Tequila

OTHERS:
-Butter (Dairy Free & Soy Free)
-Fructose
-Ketchup
-Spicy Foods

_______________________________________


FOODS NOT OK TO EAT
*Note: Tyramine foods have an astris-Tyramine is an excitatory transmitter that affects the nerves

PROTEIN NOT ALLOWED:
-NO Dairy
-NO Caviar
-NO Pork
-NO Red Meat
-NO Tofu
-NO Soy
-NO processed meats*

CARBS NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Wheat/Gluten/Yeast
- NO breads or pasta containing gluten/rice/yeast/modified starches
- NO Refined Sugars
- NO Malto-dextrins
- NO Dextrins Rusk

- NO Rye, Ryvita, rye breads
- NO Rice, Rice pasta, Rice cakes, Rice noodles, or Rice Cereals

Veggies NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Avocadoes*
- NO Beets
- NO Corn, Corn pasta, Corn tortillas, or Corn Cereals
- NO Eggplants*
- NO Popcorn
- NO Carrots
- NO Russet or Russet Potatoes- only Sweet Potatoes
- NO Flat Beans (example Black, Butter, Kidney, Pinto)

Fruit NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Bananas*
- NO Mangoes
- NO Papaya
- NO Cranberries
- NO Dates
- NO Figs*
- NO Prunes*
- NO Raisins*
- NO Dried Fruits*

No Processed Food of any kind*

DRINKS NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Beer
- NO Coffee
- NO CAFFEINE AT ALL
- NO SOFT DRINKS
- NO Flavored Water
- NO store bought Fruit Juices (homemade with no sugar is ok)
- NO Gatorade
- NO Liquor - except for what is on moderation list
- NO Red Wine

OTHER FOODS NOT ALLOWED:
- NO Chocolate*
- NO Honey
- NO Margarine
- NO Sugar Substitutes ex Splenda
- NO Sunflower or Pumpkin Seeds
- NO Corn, Safflower, Sunflower or Vegetable Oil


ALWAYS BALANCE YOUR DIET WITH A PROTEIN, LOW GLYCEMIC CARB, AND RECOMMENDED OIL. GLYCEMIC INDEX SHOULD BE BELOW 50.

Daily Vitamins and Supplements

It is very important that the vitamins/supplements you take are of good quality. Most you find at drug stores are chalked full of fillers. Being on my strict diet I have to ensure my daily vitamins/supplements are vegan, gluten-free and soy-free. I like Solgar because I can easily find them at my local SunFlower Farmers Market and they are reasonably priced.

I take 3 daily soft gels of the Fish Oil and 2 daily pills of the Iron-Free Vitamins.

More Snow in Texas?!

aaaannnnnddd MORE SNOW!


This was the SNOW BEAR we made LAST YEAR in February!

10 Natural Way to reduce your Endometriosis Pain by Melissa from www.cureendometriosis.com

I have had Endometriosis for over 15years and struggled with pain killers, hormonal treatments - you name it! I then discovered natural options for healing and was amazed at how much more I could do for my body!

I know for me the worst time is always that dreaded monthly but over the last year I have found ways to reduce the level of pain that experience and it is now only down to one day of the month where I feel pain. Here are 10 natural ways which I have personally used to help reduce my Endometriosis pain.

1. Change your diet
Many girls experience a dramatic change in their life just by cutting out certain foods from their diet. The biggest culprits for pain are bread, flour based foods, meat and dairy products. Do this gradually so your body has a chance to adapt but cutting out bread is the top one for reducing the bloating and pain levels with Endometriosis.

2. Incorporate Super Foods into your diet
There are a number of fantastic Super Foods in the diet which can give instant healing to your body. Try Maca Root, Aloe Vera Juice or the Umeboshi Plum. Super Foods contain all the best nutrients for the body. They are easily absorbed and often offer additional benefits such as hormonal regulation and anti-inflammatory properties. I have a free Super Foods Guide which lists 6 Super Foods and their benefits.

3. Drink Herbal Teas
There is a wonderful selection of teas out there that offer amazing healing and soothing relief. Try Motherwort, Raspberry Leaf Tea, Dandelion Tea and Liquorice Root Tea. They help the uterus, bladder and liver which all helps with healing of Endometriosis. Try and drink one herbal tea a day, mid afternoon to allow yourself to fully absorb their goodness.

4. Start Yoga
Yoga offers your body many benefits with regards to Endometriosis. You will strengthen the body and provide some much needed movement for your lymphatic system. Yoga also serves to calm the nerves and give you a positive outlook which is crucial to maintaining stress levels.

5. Review your thought patterns
Negativity and feeling powerless against Endometriosis is not going to help your healing. Take back the power and believe that you can find a way to overcome your Endometriosis. The mind is a powerful thing and you can make the decision to heal. The body is very powerful and wants to heal. Your belief in its ability is a positive step in the right direction.

6. Lose some weight
The more fat cells you carry on your body, the more dioxin and toxins you will hold in your body. Dioxin has been closely linked to Endometriosis and is believed to be a proven reason we have it. Dioxin lives in fat cells. By carrying additional fat cells, you are giving dioxin space to live and maintain toxicity in the body. You can lose weight by changing your diet, incorporating some light walking and drinking lots of water. Extra weight is also more work on the body and makes your whole system struggle to keep up with healing itself.

7. Expel Anger from your life
Anger is closely linked to Endometriosis and also relates to the liver, which is the main organ responsible for the cause of Endometriosis. When we hold anger inside our body it creates more blockages and reduces the natural flow inside our organs. Get rid of your anger through EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)or simply start a kickboxing or boxing class and let your frustrations out. Yell, scream or burn it off but allow it to come out!

8. Incorporate oils into your life
There are many benefits to natural oils which you can easily incorporate into your life. Try Calendula Oil next time you have Endometriosis pain. By rubbing Calendula Oil into your abdominal area and giving yourself a soft massage you will feel the benefits of the soothing properties immediately. Experiment with oils in an oil burner to give you relaxation and upliftment. They are incredibly powerful and make a wonderful addition to bath water, candles and your skin.

9. Eliminate Stress from your Life
Stress causes more pain and discomfort for Endometriosis. We cramp our stomach muscles when we stress and our cortisone levels shoot right up. Review your life and work out where your stress is coming from and reduce it or eliminate it. Surround yourself with things that make you happy and don't have stress elements associated with them. You will never heal with continuous stress in your life. You can learn to deal with stress levels better but ultimately your health is more important than anything that is causing you unnecessary stress.

10. Read more
There are so many amazing ways to heal the body naturally. Drugs and medication are not your only option with Endometriosis. The body is a perfectly created being. It was created with perfect balance and we can regain that balance by what we feed and give our body. It wants to heal. You can give it that power by learning more about it and what it really needs.

I have discovered so much on my journey with Endometriosis and have decided to share it all in my personal blog. It is called www.cureendometriosis.com as my goal is to find a natural cure for Endometriosis! I hope it helps many girls out there discover their true healing potential!

Acupuncture, TCM, Progesterone Cream, Diet and Yoga

I am very set on trying to rid myself of this stupid endo naturally. Having already gone through 1 laparoscopy and 1 laparotomy last year to treat my Stage IV endo, taking progestin only birth control pills that drove me mad, and like 47812489712498 doctors I want to really try to do things naturally.

I know doing things naturally will require patients because it will be 3+ months to years before I start to get any relief but right now these are the therapies I am doing:

• Acupuncture at least 3x a week, every day during period
• Tradition Chinese Medicines/Herbs daily
• Progesterone Cream: Day 6 through Day 26 of my period = 1/4 ml nightly
• Diet: gluten free, dairy-free, soy-free, no pork, no red meat, no sugar, low glycemic fruit and veggies, no alcohol, no chocolate
• Yoga 4x a week, 2x a week during my period